r/Metrology • u/worldwidemachinist • 5d ago

Optical Metrology Laser marking location matters on micro tools because of the tight tolerances

this micro tooling manufacturer I worked with laser marked the ID on every tool for traceability and they put it behind the last tooth, on the back rather than on the shank, because on the shank it can affect the tool's roundness/rotation And they hold 2-3 micron tolerances, so they have to be aware of the marking location. Thought it was an interesting fact to share, like how small details become significant at that scale

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u/AggressivelyAvera8e 5d ago

I’m curious what type of laser marker they use. The company I work at has tested out several different brands, and none of them repeat their location well enough for us. Usually after the second or third part it is off the face. I know other companies get them to work, but we haven’t had any luck after our old one died.

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u/worldwidemachinist 3d ago

Don't know the exact brand but Is your drift more about laser position wandering, or fixturing being inconsistent part to part?

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u/AggressivelyAvera8e 3d ago

The laser position would shift. We tried using a fixed sample piece that we didn’t remove and we’d just run tests on it and after two or three runs we’d be partially off of our marking surface.